Posting by Ji yeon Kim(김지연)-Week10

Introduction to Sociology/Race and Ethnicity&Gender

Summary

Race is group of people that is believed to be distinct from others based on real or imagined physical differences. Ethnicity is also group of people but It is based on social traits. There are some social traits used for ethnic classification : nationality, tribe, religious faith, shared language, shared culture, shared traditions. Distinguish peoeple with race emerged first in ancient eygpt. In 17th century, there is first scientific try to categorize race. It developed European imperialism and colonisation around the world. In 19th century, many natural scientists argue about race ; first, races are objective, Second, biological races and other human phenomena have strong relationships. Lastly, with race, we can explain and predict individual and group behavior. There is a controversial about 'race is a social construct' between sociologists and biologists. In this view, a number of social scientists have replaced the word 'race' with the word 'ethnicity' based on shared religion, nationality or culture which is artificial and made by human. US and Brazil well illustrate this view. For example, in USA, and Brazil, we can know race is a social construct through changing category of races and mixing of the races. Racism is a belief/attitude based on prejudice,bias and discrimination. In Racism, race decides ability of human, some races are superior to other races. Treatments and Attitudes have to different by races. Racism cam be expressed with feelings and behaviours by institutions that promote inequality in races. There are structural racism, cultural racism and historical racism.

Gender refers to socially-constructed(adapted) roles. It is related with socializing and social norms about male/female. Otherwise, Sex is a term which distinguish men and women in biological way. Gender can divided into two, Cis-gender and trans-gender. Cisgender is, in plain language, same sex and gender. Transgender is different sex and gender. In society, There are gender differences especially in workplace and education. Generally, women in workplace have relatively low-income and low status. In education, women are relatively in unfair position compare to men. Sexism is like Racism, It is discrimination about sex or gender. Sexism can refer to four beliefs or attitudes : Only two sexes exist, One sex is better than others, Men and Women are different, It can also include misandry, misogyny and transphobia. These beliefs are reflected in society as disparity in wealth between men and women. There are theories of Gender Differences : Gender Socialization, Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interaction and Feminist Theory.

 

My opinion and Interesting Points

Before I studied about race this week, I have no clear definitions of 'race'. I have never thought about it deeply. So, It was interesting to define 'race' in many ways such as race is related only in biology and genetics or race is social-construct. I think 'race is social construct' is right in some ways, but classify race in genetics is more clear term.

 

Discussions and Questions

Racism and Sexism--Society has many problems because of this kind of beliefs. How can we lower the rate? Why some people have beliefs like Racism and Sexism? Is this related to socializing? What is good point of them? or Are they totally bad? Let's discuss together :>